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had been enough variety for the guests in greeting those new arrivals with whom they were acquainted and making the acquaintance of those they did not know. That entertainment would not serve for more than another day or so, Alinor realized. A hunt would have to be arranged. Alinor found time to tell her huntsman that he would have to recall his men from their watch for the king's messenger and have them track and mark game. They should continue to keep watch as well as they could, Alinor urged, but preparations for a series of hunts was now more important. |
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William of Salisbury arrived on the 26th, bringing with him Aubery de Vere, Earl of Oxfordwho had not even been invited. Alinor greeted him with effusive cordiality and protestations of joy at his condescension, while her mind spun like a top. What did he want here? What had he come for? And there were another 50 mouths to feed and, far more serious, another nobleman of such stature as could not be accommodated in the hall. To move someone already established in a chamber out into the hall would be equivalent to starting an unending blood feud. Smiling sweetly, Alinor excused herself from her guests and gave instructions for some men to clear the chamber that had been kept for Ian. Damn him and rot him, she thought, he can sleep on a pallet in the maid's portion of my apartment. The maids could lie on the antechamber floor between them, thus preserving the decenciesif anyone would care or notice at this late date. |
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Naturally Salisbury asked for Ian. Alinor told her story again, feeling as if she had only to open her mouth and the words would pour out over and over, preventing her from saying anything else ever again. Salisbury said nothing, but Alinor did not like the expression that came into his eyes. For the first time her rage changed into a sickening fear. She had been so intent on the contest of wills she imagined was being played out that it had never occurred to her that some harm might have ac- |
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